Goodbye summer, hello misty mornings, apple cider, and your coziest fall sweaters. With the arrival of sweater weather comes a frenzy of colors not seen since the spring and the star of the fall season: fall foliage. From peaceful Kyoto to beautiful Canada, brightly-hued leaves in every shade of yellow, orange, and red sweep the land, turning incredible destinations into breathtaking landscapes you have to see to believe. So don your coziest sweaters, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to leap into the best fall travel destinations.
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Table of Contents
- The 10 Best Autumn Travel Destinations
- Fall Into Your Picture-Perfect Autumn Adventure with Next Vacay
The 10 Best Autumn Travel Destinations
Autumn brings cozy sweaters, warm fires, and a kaleidoscope of colors. Across the globe, dense forests, mesmerizing falls, and beautiful mountains burst with autumnal leaves just waiting to be explored. So, grab your most comfortable pair of walking shoes and get ready to trek through these ten best autumn travel destinations.
Prague, Czech Republic
It might just be that there’s no better time to visit the romantic city of Prague than during the fall season. With its storied architecture, from narrow cobblestone streets to sprawling hilltop castles, Prague already feels like stepping directly into a European fairytale. But during the fall, the city turns its charms up to eleven.
Auburn trees frame Prague’s classic terracotta roofs, and throughout the city, gorgeous architecture is made even more so against a backdrop of fiery reds and oranges. An early morning walk through Stromovka is a must to see the fiery autumn hues blanketed in an enchanting mist, while a stroll along the Charles Bridge, for its breathtaking panoramic views of the city, warrants its own stop. And if you want to get out of the heart of the city to fully immerse yourself in the fall views among a more tranquil atmosphere, then make sure to schedule a visit to Pruhonice Park and its beautiful chateau nestled in a valley of gold.
Best Time to Visit for Peak Fall Colors: mid-October
Where to Stay: In the “City of a Hundred Spires,” a stay at the Aria Hotel will surely pierce your heart with its stunning views, from Prague Castle to its own sweeping gardens. Or, for a little more poetry and romance, nestle into the Grand Hotel Bohemia in Prague’s Old Town.
New England, United States
The United States is known for its stunning fall foliage, and perhaps nowhere else does it better than the sweeping landscapes of New England. Comprised of six northeastern states—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont—New England abounds with picture-perfect spots to enjoy the very best of fall’s many bright colors.
New Hampshire offers glittering sapphire lakes bordered by flaming reds and oranges while mountain trams whisk visitors above plains swathed in vibrantly hued leaves. Cozy towns and misty hilltops dotted with glorious golds make Vermont look like a landscape painting. In Maine, hummocks of wild blueberries blanket the land in a sea of red, and foliage cruises chugg down the water past the autumnal trees. Between scenic drives down winding highways, colorful hikes through stunning national parks, and cozy stays amid charming and colorful towns, New England is a must-visit fall travel destination.
Best Time to Visit for Peak Fall Colors: early October in the north—Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire—and mid-to-late October for Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island
Where to Stay: Immerse yourself in endless acres of fall foliage at Twin Farms in the Vermont countryside, or settle in for those cozy cottage vibes and spectacular fall views at the Beech Tree Inn and Cottage in Rhode Island.
Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Wales
Hundreds of castles, beautiful beaches, undulating hills—Wales is an adventure from top to bottom, and nowhere is this more apparent than the country’s oldest national park, Eryri. Here, visitors will find dramatic landscapes, from towering mountains to winding valleys and lovely little villages tucked beside flowing rivers. The whole of Eryri is magical in its own right, but perhaps never more magical than in the fall.
Autumn brings a surge of color, adding another breathtaking layer to Wales, especially Eryri National Park. Winding trails become abutted by vibrant thickets. Castles can be found tucked away behind orange-hued forests and perched on colorful cliffs—and autumnal leaves of sunny yellows and crimson reds inch across cozy cottages. Hike to the tallest peak, take in the views on a scenic train ride, and explore the many charming towns of this stunning park. If you’re looking to enjoy fall foliage without the massive crowds, Eryri is one of the best autumn travel destinations for your fall trip.
Best Time to Visit for Peak Fall Colors: mid to late October
Where to Stay: Retreat to Penmaenuchaf for charming, character-filled rooms and epic views of Mawddach estuary, or head further north to the cozy interior of Tŷ Afon River House to enjoy easy access to the great outdoors and Beddgelert.
Kyoto, Japan
Fall is such a beloved occasion in Japan that there is a word for admiring the change of color in the foliage: “momijigari” or red leaves hunting. In truth, you won’t have to do much hunting. Come autumn, the dramatic landscapes in Japan become a little more dramatic as the vibrancy of autumn explodes in a dazzling array of colors. Mountains, lakes, shrines, temples—all these beauties are further highlighted by the fiery colors of autumn, and Kyoto is no exception.
Kyoto’s rivers and streets are sprinkled with golden-hued ginkgo trees, while its beautiful temples and villas have lush gardens with maple trees in brilliant scarlets. Almost everywhere you look, there’s something to see in Kyoto. Tofukuji, with its scenic bridge and vibrant November reds, is a must-see, while the forested mountains of Arashiyama and the temples ensconced within are an absolute treat. You can also find quieter, more secluded spots like Shinnyodo Temple and Kuwayama Shrine. The breadth of fall beauty everywhere in Kyoto makes it one of the best travel destinations in the fall and one that foreign and Japanese tourists travel from all over to see in person.
Best Time to Visit for Peak Fall Colors: mid-November
Where to Stay: Book a stay at the Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto for its serene ambiance and breathtaking fall views or the century-old Ryokan Genhouin for its understated simplicity and colorful gardens.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
It’s hard to argue that Shenandoah National Park doesn’t have it all: beautiful woodlands, dense forests, cascading falls, and fields of wildflowers—you name it, Shenandoah delivers. So, it’s little surprise that with the arrival of autumn, Shenandoah turns into a dreamy landscape of colors, with everything from golden yellows to deep reds on display.
What’s even better is that Shenandoah promises a myriad of ways to experience its autumnal foliage, from driving down Skyline Drive—105 miles of winding road sprinkled with over 75 overlooks—to over 500 miles of trails that take you beneath the blazing canopies to discover waterfalls surrounded by fall colors and breathtaking cliff views overlooking the acres and acres of autumn hues. Whatever you do, make time for a Shenandoah sunset to see the sun’s golden rays turning the forests below into blazing, fiery colors before the fading light casts a soft glow over the woodlands. The image will burn itself into your memory as much as fall spent in this epic autumn destination will.
Best Time to Visit for Peak Fall Colors: early October to early November
Where to Stay: For that classic, cozy lodge feel, the Big Meadows Lodge offers comfy rooms, live music, and scenic sunset views. Or, for accommodations outside the park, L’Auberge Provencale Inn & Restaurant combines quaint French cottage vibes with a beautiful setting for a stay that’ll only add to your enchanted visit.
Ontario, Canada
While the masses flock to charming Mont-Tremblant in Quebec or head for the coast in New Brunswick to drive winding roads of sea views and fall colors, Ontario blazes bright with an untold number of gems for fall leaf-peeping. From Algonquin Park and its dense forests hiding endless rivers and lakes to Niagara River Parkway, or “River Road.” As its name suggests, this road follows the curve of the Niagara River, and in autumn, it dons a stunning coat of yellows, reds, and burning bronzes.
And then there’s Agawa Canyon, possibly one of the best fall travel destinations in Canada, let alone just Ontario. With its strikingly beautiful granite rocks and hardwood forests highlighting cascading waterfalls and all manner of fall colors, from sunny yellows to golden bronzes and the deepest shades of red. The best way to experience the marvelous sight is by train ride, which takes travelers past the granite peaks, soaring spires, tumbling waterfalls, and sparkling lakes and rivers to give you the best vantage points of the canyon’s most spectacular colors. And after a busy summer, a cozy train ride in Canada’s marvelous autumn landscape might be just what you need.
Best Time to Visit for Peak Fall Colors: mid-September to late October
Where to Stay: Smack dab inside Algonquin Park, Bartlett Lodge sits on the shores of Cache Lake, promising a secluded retreat and views you can admire from Adirondack chairs on the dock or from canoes out on the water.
Bavarian Alps, Germany
Picture this: Rocky peaks covered in fiery reds, charming towns dotted with shades of gold, and the crunch of crisp orange and yellow leaves under boots. In short, the Bavarian Alps become an even more enchanting and romantic place when the dazzling autumn foliage arrives.
It’s so romantic, in fact, that the Bavarian Forest National Park has a route called the Romantic Road, which whisks travelers through quaint villages, vibrant forests, and lush vineyards. For a classic fairytale in vibrant color, head to the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle, which looks stunning atop its forested hillside covered in golds and reds. The medieval Bavarian town of Bamberg also enchants, with its romantic bridges and golden trees lining the waterway. And for wine lovers who love a good drink as much as they love a good view, Main-Spessart is a must-see fall travel destination, with valleys and vineyards in an array of autumnal hues and delicious wines around every corner.
Best Time to Visit for Peak Fall Colors: early to mid-October
Where to Stay: Treat yourself to the lap of luxury that is Schloss Elmau, with jaw-dropping views and infinite comforts, or settle in for quieter charms but no less breathtaking views, at the Romantik Alpenhotel Waxenstein.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh makes a serious case for being one of the best travel destinations in the fall. The city feels like a warm cup of cocoa, with its cozy cafes, charming pubs, and quaint bookstores. The mysterious yet welcoming atmosphere draws visitors in and invites you to explore every nook and cranny while simultaneously urging you to curl up in bed with the fire roaring as you watch the rain drip off the golden brown leaves.
And when it comes to the fall foliage, Edinburgh delights. Edinburgh Castle is a must-see, with the dense trees cascading down the hillside in shades of bronze and gold. Walk through the misty Princess Street Gardens to see the Edinburgh Castle framed by rowan trees. The calm trickling of the water fountain will only add to the beautiful serenity of the moment. And if you’ve ever wanted to feel like the main character of a gothic movie, stroll up the staircase of Scott Monument or head to Liberton Kirk, where the church, blanketed in ruby red ivy, looks like a shot straight out of the movies.
Best Time to Visit for Peak Fall Colors: late September through October
Where to Stay: Opt for an indulgent stay at Prestonfield House to delight in romantic rooms and gorgeous garden views, or just down the road, you’ll find The Scott, a boutique hotel with a castle-like facade and a mix of modern and traditional elements inside.
Alpe Devero, Piedmont, Italy
Alpe Devero is a hiker’s dream escape to a natural wonderland. The area is eternally bejeweled by picturesque lakes, meadows, and valleys, but come the crisp autumn weather, those jewels take on fiery hues, from shocking ruby to sparkling yellow sapphire and dazzling fire opal. Blankets of gold and canary yellow trees cover the undulating landscape. So, lace up your hiking boots and prepare to journey through a wonderland set ablaze by crimson shades.
The beautiful Ossola Valley, Val Cairasca, and Val Divedro are covered in yellow, gold, and pale green trees, offering gorgeous views on autumnal hikes. Explore all of Piedmont and head to the stunning Lake Maggiore, perfect in the summertime but just as beautiful in the fall, or Lake Orta, with its glittering waters and trees tinged orange and yellow. Wine lovers can head to the Langhe or Monferrato regions, where early morning mist cloaks the vineyards, and the sun turns the red hues surrounding the rows of vines into dazzling colors.
Best Time to Visit for Peak Fall Colors: October to early November
Where to Stay: For a warm stay in the heart of the mountains, Hotel Edelweiss delivers creature comforts alongside easy access to abundant views and stunning nature walks. Meanwhile, further south, a stay at Hotel de Charme Laveno promises charm aplenty, from heated outdoor pools to lovely lake views.
Transylvania, Romania
Romania is a land of myth and fairytale. In the chilly fall season, Transylvania sits somewhere between an enchanting wonderland and an eerie fantasy. Soft yellow trees climb across the Carpathian Mountains while rust-colored foliage encircles the captivating Bran Castle. In short, it’s the perfect destination to fall into adventure, romance, and, best of all, leaf-peeping.
Start your travels in the gorgeous city of Cluj-Napoca, with its bursting gardens that look magical in their fall coat. Or, visit Sighisoara for some color not on the leaves, as the houses are painted bright colors like canary yellow and pastel pink. And all across Transylvania, you can enjoy the Halloween festivities that crop up, specifically at Bran Castle. The harvest season brings festivals with beer and seasonal cuisine, while medieval fares transport visitors to another era. The fun festivals, fabulous architecture, and fall foliage should make Transylvania a top contender for your next fall travel destination.
Best Time to Visit for Peak Fall Colors: mid to late October
Where to Stay: Pair your fairytale trip in Romania with a stay at the charming Székelykő Mansion, with its ivy-covered facade and stunning mountain views. Or, if a more luxurious stay is calling, then the adults-only Akasha Retreat delivers, serving up spa treatments, delicious meals, and hot tub views.
Fall Into Your Picture-Perfect Autumn Adventure with Next Vacay
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